One-minded

A new camera is a blessing in disguise – on the one hand, it can help me convey fabric, color, and texture like I’ve never been able to do before. On the other hand, during my spare time (ha!), I’m much more likely to pick up the new toy than some familiar wool and needles, resulting in slower-than-typical progress.

I’d say that over the past few weeks I’ve spent way more time photographing, playing with the settings, and absorbing everything I can about SLRs than knitting. To show you that I’ve been doing something, here’s yet another shot of grandma’s sock-in-progress:

I’m flattered that some of you assumed this was my own pattern. Alas, I cannot take credit for this gorgeous design: it is Nancy Bush’s Traveler’s Stockings from Knitting on the Road. This book is one of my favorites, filled with fabulous patterns from cover to cover. Including Traveler’s Stockings, I’ve knit 4 of them already!

While I continue to work on my grandma’s latest pair of socks, I can’t help but contemplate bigger projects.

Even the stash is cooperating – 10 balls of Classic Elite Princess in Ladylike Leaf and 9 balls of Classic Elite Classic Silk in Cobalt are more than happy to become sweaters for me.

But my mind turns to lace, once again. I know, I know. You don’t have to remind me that I already have two lace projects on the needles. One day soon I’ll explain to you why I’m not in any rush to finish Ene, and let’s not even discuss Mountainash.

Therefore, am I not allowed to start another lace project??? Especially from the uber-fabulous Victorian Lace Today, about which I’ve been dreaming right along with you.

My eyes scatter (Russian saying) every time I look through that book, I don’t know where to start! Today I took a deep breath and made a choice, knowing that eventually I’ll work my way through all my favorites; it’s only a matter of time ;).

My choice: the Melon scarf.

It’s not a difficult pattern, which is good considering I’ll be modifying the specified size a bit – as usual, I want something smaller, more manageable for everyday wear.

You know what solidified my choice? I think I just might have the perfect yarn…

Hand Maiden Sea Silk in Moss. I have 1 skein, 438 yards – the Melon scarf will indeed be only a scarf.

Someday I will follow your example and get an SLR. They seem like too much fun not to have, but I really depend on having my camera with me at all times and I’m nervous that getting a big SLR will mean that I’ll want to leave it behind rather than carry the big thing around with me. The photo of the ball of yarn is perfect – lit from the top, nice shallow depth of field, nice highlights and lowlights.

Your grandma won’t mind another pair of socks, when she sees this pattern. It’s great, I love it. Also, I understand, why you like the lace and definately, why you want to make it smaller. Mine is dragging right now and I have problems getting motivated.

Your grandma won’t mind another pair of socks, when she sees this pattern. It’s great, I love it. Also, I understand, why you like the lace and definately, why you want to make it smaller. Mine is dragging right now and I have problems getting motivated.

Uh Oh! You’ve caught the SLR bug! Mine spoiled me for any other camera ever. I bought and have taken back two small point and shoot digitals that I bought to have something smaller to carry around. They just don’t satisfy me the way they used to…

I would be interested to know why you’re not in a hurry to finish Ene. That was my Olympic project last year, and I knit it so fast that the whole project is a blur to me. I love the finished result though.

ooh that lace looks lovely. I’m like you ther must be half a dozen things I want to cast on from the book, now! I am knitting the really easy lace scarf as my travelling project at the moment in handpainted cashmere. I think the melon shawl in handpainted green laceweight may be next

beautiful sox – and thanks for helping me decide what to do with the two skeins of seasilk that I have in that exact same colorway! I’ve started something twice already and didn’t love either … so this just might be the thing!

Of course you can do more lace. We are all here to support each other’s habits (as bad as they may be). The yarn is gorgeous and so is the pattern. I love the socks as well. I have that book so I can make them someday.

That green looks luscious – like a pretty apple! I’m sitting on 2 skeins of the seasilk in berry and am trying to figure out a simple, but elegant stole pattern to go with it. It’s slated for a non-knitting friend, so I don’t want it to be too fussy.

Here I was, trying to remember the name of the new book you’ve been raving about. Lo and behold, you thankfully provide the answer. I just got my hands on some Malabrigo laceweight merino and was considering my options with this lovely yarn.

I’m sure you’ll do the pattern and the SeaSilk proud! You accept nothing less than perfection.

GORGEOUS stuff you’re doing but what jumped out at me was “I only knit 1 sweater this year.” Good God, Woman! You created–designed and produced- a STUNNING Egyptian dress!!!! Among a bajillion other things! You’re killin’ me, girl! Keep it up

I know what you mean about a new camera. I decided not to get a dSLR because I decided I didn’t need all those bells and whistles and various lenses to juggle. So I got a Canon Powershot S3IS with a 12x superzoom, and guess what? It’s got a ton of bells and whistles — way more than my old digi-cam! I had to buy an extra book to learn how to use it, and I still don’t have it all down, but I’m taking my time.

I think I’m going to knit my first lace project after the new year. Here’s hoping that your project will inspire me. I even have some Seasilk I can use!